‘LACKAWANNA BLUES’: Ruben Santiago-Hudson (center) & (seated) Junior Mack. Photo: Marc J. Franklin.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

LACKAWANNA BLUES
Written & directed by Ruben Santiago-Hudson
Through November 12, 2021
Samuel J. Friedman Theatre

261 West 47th Street
(212-239-6200), www.manhattantheatreclub.com

 

 

By David NouNou

Set in Lackawanna, New York, past and present, this is an autobiographical play in which Ruben Santiago-Hudson portrays himself as the child Ruben, and the adult version of himself as well as multiple characters from the past fondly remembered. Mostly it is a beautiful tribute to his adopted grandmother, Nanny, Ms. Rachel Crosby.

Nanny took him under her wing at an early age when he was left in her care by his mother. On multiple occasions he states that she was more like a mother to him. Nanny took him everywhere and they shared their life together. Along the way many characters crossed their path. Mr. Santiago-Hudson imbues all these characters, good or bad, with humanity and respect. Utmost is his respect for Ms. Rachel. Their love and their bond is palpable. Not only is the love and respect coming from Mr. Santiago Hudson, but from the many people whose lives Ms. Rachel touched. Their stories are told in little vignettes.

Mr. Santiago-Hudson has written this play and directed it in such a vivid way that you can visualize Nanny and all the quirky characters they both met along the way. You can almost taste the glazed ham and the cornbread that Nanny made for him and all her boarders. The show is mostly noteworthy for the mega-talented Mr. Santiago-Hudson himself. His performance is absolutely riveting, from the twinkle in his eyes when he impersonates Nanny to the tears in his eyes at the end.

Mr. Santiago-Hudson is accompanied by the brilliant guitarist Junior Mack, who anchors the mood of the play with a soulful blues style. Incidentally, in addition to his many talents as actor, playwright/director Mr. Santiago-Hudson is an excellent harmonica player.

 

Edited by Scott Harrah
Published November 5, 2021
Reviewed at November 4, 2021 performance.

 

 

‘LACKAWANNA BLUES’: Ruben Santiago-Hudson. Photo: Marc J. Franklin.